Study Says Contraband Tobacco On the Rise in Manitoba

A study on the rise of contraband tobacco in Manitoba will be unveiled later this morning.

The first-ever Cigarette Butt Study conducted in the province will be released as part of the Canadian and Western Convenience Stores Associations’ (CWCSA) efforts to fight contraband tobacco across the country.

The perception to most people is that contraband tobacco is only a problem in Eastern Canada, such as in Quebec and Ontario.

The CWCSA says 2,300 convenience stores have closed in Canada over the past two years due to the increased use of contraband tobacco. The rise of the product on the Prairies is being contributed to Manitoba having some of the highest tobacco taxes in the country. Those who conducted the study believe the Prairie provinces are set for a growing illicit tobacco market in the near future.

Michel Gadbois, Senior Vice-President of the Canadian Convenience Stores Association (CCSA), will unveil the study at a news conference at Prime Minimart, 1600 Day Street, beginning at 10:30 a.m.